balcony infill

hi, do you know if you require permition to put windows  and enclose your balcony, most apartments on the estate seem to have them. and if the answer is yes how who and where? thanks

 The enclosing of balconies/terraces is against the law in Spain

However, as you have seen, many many people do this, me included!

You do not need planning permission obviously as you wouldn't get it anyway cos' it's illegal!!!

Our Administrator (Spanish) told our Community, that providing the windows are removeable, then it's ok

Most double glazed sliding windows are removeable for cleaning anyway, so they are the best ones to go for

Where in Spain are you?

I have a great "window" man I could recommend in Costa Blanca.

The only other thing I would point out, is that if you are in a community, you must inform your Presidente of the works and make sure there is not a community rule that states "all windows should be of the same style".

Hope this helps..........

sometimes it's advisable to get a small works licence to say change door/swindows

and then build an extension!

it varies from Town Hall to Town Hall.

Have a chat with a Spanish neighbour or one of the many working at the Town Hall and they will tell you what to do if anything.

But as FibbyUK says you need to worry more about community.

One of the problems I have seen here is that it can impact on drainage and you closing in your balcony/terrace might cause more water to drain on the apartment below - we saw a lot of that last year!!!

Hi Rolley & Welcome

I am no expert on the matter but I would think community president/committee would be first port of call closely folowed by Town Hall, who would be able to answer your query, you would have to supply all the information with regards to your intentions, materials, colour, finish etc etc.

I gave this some thought when I first purchased my property as I have two terraces , but after spending the month of July in the apartment I gave up the idea as I was glad of the extra outside space and shade.

No additions to property when in an Urb or Rural is straight forward or cheap, it is wise to seek legal advice from someone you trust and this small cost may prevent serious worry, stress and financial loss in the long run.

Good Luck with your Project

thanks guys very helpfull,                    

I cannot help with regard to the Community angle as I have never been in one, however I enclosed my balcony three years ago, and on advice, I went to the Ayuntamiento and asked the  resident Architect if he would come and give me advice, it saves a lot of time, and makes the paperwork flow far easier. You will need a licence from the Ayuntamiento as in all cases of changing or inserting windows. Get the Town Hall on your side from the start, and it should be a breeze.

Good point - it is better to try and do things correctly if possible.

Because times are changing and the Town Halls need money.

Hi

I'm afraid i don't know about planning permission, but i would definitely make sure you consult your community as in our development three owners are being taken to court because what they have had fitted doesn't conform to the community rules.

Why not think about glass curtains?

Apparently you don't even need to inform your community President about installation of these, although I did ask permission of the President and the administrator.

They work very well because the terrace can still be opened fully in summer when the weather is good, and yet the terrace/balcony can be fully enclosed in winter.

I can recommend a guy if you are on or near the Costa del Sol, or have a look around your area and see how popular they are and maybe someone who has them already can recommend an installer.

On that note, I would always go for a recommendation of any tradesman if possible, there are a lot of chancers around. I found that out to my cost when getting Sky installed. They take your money and then disappear. The "one year unconditional guarantee" is useless.

Good luck

and don't forget the 25 years experience they usually have!

Definitely you have to make sure they have proper premises and not some English guy with a mobile only number driving a UK reg car.

When it comes to tradesmen and car mechanics I mostly deal with Spanish.